Evaluating a Functional Family Therapy Intervention: Challenges and Lessons Learned

Abstract

Purpose: This case study is the introspective account of the evaluation process of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) as implemented in Middlesex County in New Jersey between 2005 and 2011. The study presents challenges and issues in evaluation falling into three main categories. Methods: The case study is based on the recollections and documented experiences of the author who was responsible for all major aspects of the evaluation including designing the study, collecting the data, and handling daily evaluation activities. Results: The author differentiated among three main categories of challenges. In respect to research design, the relative merits of experimental versus nonexperimental designs and quantitative versus qualitative research methods are discussed. The second set of issues involves developing and exercising the social competence skills necessary to form working partnerships with service providers. The third set encompasses logistical barriers encountered during daily evaluation activities. Conclusions: The challenges and lessons learned from conducting the outcome evaluation of FFT are situated within scholarly debates on evaluation research, with the goal of providing further insights into the on-the-ground implementation and process of program evaluations. The experiences, recollections and processes illustrate challenges and solutions applicable to evaluations of other family-based violence prevention interventions.